Automatic shut-off mechanism for copying machine

ABSTRACT

An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine. A timing motor determines when no new original document to be copied has been fed into the machine for 60 seconds. At the completion of the timing cycle, an auxiliary contact in the main power line is opened. In order to close this contact, the main on-off switch on the front panel of the machine must first be turned off, the auxiliary contact being closed at this time by a mechanical linkage to the main switch. Whenever a new document to be copied is fed into the machine during the running of the timing motor, the motor resets to the &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;zero&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; time position and the timing cycle begins once again.

United States Patent [151 3,673,41 9

Aasen 1 June 27, 1972 [54] AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF MECHANISM 3,335,662 8/1967 Ritzerfeld ..101 235 FOR COPYING MACHINE 2,903,965 9/1959 Eichenbaum et al. 101 235 2,908,220 10/1959 Eichenbaum etal. ..1o1/132.5

[72] Inventor: Torulf Aasen, Hollywood, Fla.

[73] Assignee: Copystatics Manufacturing Corporation,

Miami Lakes, Fla.

[22] Filed: March 16, 1970 [2] Appl. No.: 19,994

[52] US. Cl. ..250/222 R, 250/219 DQ, 101/233 [51] Int. Cl. ..G06m 7/00 [58] Field of Search ..250/215, 219, 223, 221, 222;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,169,476 2/l965 Fielding ..lOl/247 3,264,478 8/1966 Moldovan.. ....250/215 X Primary ExaminerWalter Stolwein Attorney-Amster & Rothstein ABSTRACT An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine. A

timing motor determines when no new original document to be copied has been fed into the machine for 60 seconds. At the completion of the timing cycle, an auxiliary contact in the main power line is opened. In order to close this contact, the main on-ofi" switch on the front panel of the machine must first be turned off, the auxiliary contact being closed at this time by a mechanical linkage to the main switch. Whenever a new document to be copied is fed into the machine during the running of the timing motor, the motor resets to the zero" time position and the timing cycle begins once again.

6 Chain, 6 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUNZY 1972 3673, 119

INVENTOR. if %45/1/ BY AMSM 4 Rwu' ATTORNEYS AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF MECHANISM FOR COPYING MACHINE This invention relates to automatic shut-off mechanisms, and more particularly to such mechanisms for use on copying machines.

Many present-day office copying machines are constructed such that once the main power switch is turned on, the machine remains on until the switch is turned off. Typically, the machine remains on for the duration of the business day. Since during much of the day the machine is not in use, it is apparent that there is a waste of power and an unnecessary wear of parts.

There are many automatic shut-off mechanisms which have been designated for various equipments. Generally speaking, such mechanisms are not suited for use on a copying machine because they do not provide for a determination to be made as to when the machine should be shutoff.

It is a general object of my invention to provide an automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine.

Briefly, in accordance with the principles of my invention, I provide a timing circuit for measuring the lapse of one minute after the last original document to be copied has been inserted into the machine. If 1 minute has elapsed after the last original document has been fed into the machine, it is an indication that the machine. is no longer in use and power to it should be cut off. If at any time during the 1-minute tinting interval a new original document is fed into the machine, the timing cycle begins all over again and the machine will turn ofl" only after one minute of non-use has elapsed. (The timing cycle can be varied from 15 seconds up to several minutes depending on particular requirements.)

The main on-off switch, typically mounted on the front of the machine, serves a dual purpose in accordance with the principles of my inventiomln addition to controlling the main power contact, it also controls movement of a rigid bar when the switch is turned from the on position to the ofi position. A timing motor is provided which is turned on after each original document has been fed into the machine. The moment a new original document if fed in, the timing motor resets. After the original document has been fed in, the timing motor resumes operation. If a new original document is not fed in within 1 minute, the timing motor completes its cycle and a cam on the motor shaft causes an auxiliary power contact to open. This auxiliary contact is in series with the main on-off power contact. Thus, at the end of any non-use of the machine for sixty seconds, the auxiliary contact opens and the machine is turned off. In order to turn the machine on again, the main power switch, which is still in the on position (since the machine was turned off automatically by the shut-ofi mechanism), must first be turned off and then turned on again. When the main power switch is first turned off, it causes the rigid bar to move in such a manner that it resets and closes the auxiliary power contact. At this time, while the auxiliary contact is closed, the main power contact is open since the main power switch must be turned off in order to close the auxiliary contact in the first place. But as soon as the main power switch is turned on once again, both contacts are closed and power is delivered to the machine.

It is a feature of my invention to provide two contacts in the main power line of a copying machine, the first contact being opened and closed by the machine on-oif switch, and the second contact being opened at the end of any predetermined interval of machine non-use and being closed by a mechanical connection from the machine on-off switch when it is moved to its off position.

It is another feature of my invention to provide a timing motor for controlling the opening of the second contact, the timing motor being reset each time an original document is fed into the machine and controlling the opening of the second contact only after an original document has not been fed into the machine for a predetermined interval.

Further objects, features, and advantages of my invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts schematically the electrical circuit of the illustrative embodiment of my invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the automatic shut-off mechanism of my invention;

FIG. 3 is a view taken through line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view taken through line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 depicts schematically the various elements in switch when the switch is in its closed position; and

FIG. 6 depicts schematically the same elements when the switch is in its open position.

The schematic diagram of FIG. I, shows only those elements of a copying machine necessary for an understanding of the principles of the invention. The machine is provided with a flat bed 44 on which an original document 42 to be copied is placed. The document is fed into the nip of rollers 36, 38 which are controlled to turn in the direction of the arrows shown in the drawing. This in turn causes document 42 to move in the direction of arrow 40. As the document passes between lamp 32 and photodetector 34, the light from the lamp to the detector is blocked. This sensing of the document, a conventional technique, can be used for a number of purposes. For example, it can be used to start the feed of the copy paper. It can also be used to cut a sheet of copy paper from a roll to exact size; when the trailing edge of the original document 42 passes the lamp and photo-detector, the energization of the photodetector can cause a knife to cut a sheet from the copy roll. The various functions controlled by the sensing elements are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention. As far as the present invention is concerned, all that is important is to note that the output of the photo-detector is extended to relay driver 26. The relay driver, which controls the operation of relay 24, is energized when the photo-detector detects light; contact 23 is normally closed to connect conductor 50 to tinting motor 22. However, whenever an original document passes between lamp 32 and photodetector 34, the blocking of light from the photo-detector de-energizes relay driver 26. At this time contact 23 opens (moves to terminal 29) and power to the timing motor is cut ofi.

Conductors l0, 12 are contained in the power line of the machine and it is over these conductors that power is supplied to the machine. Contact 14 is controlled by the main on-off power switch typically contained on a panel at the front of the machine. As shown, the contact is in its open position corresponding to the off position of the main on-oif switch. Contact 18 is normally closed as shown in the drawing to connect conductor 11 to conductor 28. Conductor 12 is connected directly to conductor 30, and conductors 28 and 30 thus serve to supply power to the various elements in the machine requiring it when contacts 14 and 18 are both closed. The closing of contacts 14 and 18 also causes motor 22 to be connected across the power line, provided contact 23 is closed at the same time.

Dotted arrow 16 is shown extending between main power contact 14 and auxiliary contact 18. The arrow is intended to depict a mechanical connection between the main on-off switch (which directly controls the opening and closing of contact 14) and auxiliary contact 18. When the main on-off switch (on the front of the machine) is moved from its ofi' position to its on position, it has no efiect on contact 18. However, when the main on-ofi switch is moved from its on position to its off position (at which time contact 14 moves to the position shown in FIG. 1), a mechanical linkage causes contact 18 to move from terminal 25, if it was connected to this temrinal, to terminal 27.

Dotted arrow 20 is to be given a similar interpretation. Timing motor 22 is normally energized. In the absence of the feeding in of an original document into the machine, relay 24 is operated and contact 23 is in the position shown in the drawing. While the contact is closed, timing motor 22 runs. The running of the motor has no effect on the machine. However, in the event the timing motor completes its one-minute timing cycle, a cam on the motor shaft causes contact 18 to move from terminal 27 to terminal 25. This is shown symbolically by dotted arrow 20. [fat any time during the running of the motor and original document is fed into the machine, relay 24 is deenergized and contact 23 moves to terminal 29. Power is thus cut ofi from the timing motor and a spring provided on the timing motor causes the motor shaft to return to its initial position. It requires the running of the motor without interruption for one minute before contact 18 is opened.

In order to turn off the machine at the end of a business day, the main on-off switch is moved to the off position. This open contact 14; it also moves contact 18 to the position shown in FIG. 1 (via the mechanical linkage symbolized by arrow 16) even if the contact was priorly open. As for contact 23, with no current flowing through conductors 28 and 30, no power is delivered to the machine and relay driver 26 cannot operate. Relay 24 is thus de-energized and contact 23 moves to terminal 29.

As soon as the machine is turned on the following morning, contact 14 closes. This has no effect on contact 18 which remains closed since moving the main on-off switch to the on position results in no mechanical movement which afiects contact 18. With the closing of contact 14, current flows through conductors 28 and 30 to power the machine. As soon as power is turned on, with no original document fed into the machine, relay 24 is energized. Contact 23 closes (the position shown in FIG. 1) and current flows from conductor through contacts 14 and 18, conductor 50, contact 23, motor 22, conductor 48 and conductor 12. The timing motor thus starts to rotate its output shaft.

If during the next 60 seconds an original document is fed into the machine, as soon as the leading edge of the document blocks the light transmission from lamp 32 to photo-detector 34, relay driver 26 turns off and relay 24 de-energizes. Contact 23 springs back to terminal 29 and timing motor 22 turns off. A spring provided on the timing motor returns the output shaft to the initial position. By the time the trailing edge of the original document reaches lame 32, the motor shaft is in its initial position since the motor shaft requires a very short time to return to its initial position. When the trailing edge of the original document passes lamp 32, relay 24 is energized once again, contact 23 closes and the timing motor begins a new cycle. This sequence continues as long as each original document is fed into the machine less than one minute after the last document. In such a case, the timing motor does not complete a cycle of operation.

However, as soon as an original document has not been fed into the machine for 60 seconds, an indication that the machine is no longer is use, timing motor 22 completes its cycle of operation. A cam on the motor shaft causes contact 18 to move from terminal 27 to terminal 25 as shown symbolically by arrow 20. At this time, even though contact 14 is still closed, contact 18 is open. Power is cut off from the machine and the machine turns off. At the same time, since relay 24 deenergizes with the cut-off of power, timing motor 22 springs back to its initial position.

An operator who next wants to use the machine and recognizing that the machine is off, naturally looks at the main onoff switch. When he does so, he will observe that the switch is in its on position. The fact that the switch is in its on position, at the same time that the machine is off, is an indication that the machine turned off automatically sometime in the past. The operator, in order to turn the machine on once again, moves the main on-off switch from the on position to the off position. This causes contact 14 to move to the position shown in FIG. 1. This, in turn, via the mechanical linkage shown by arrow 16, causes contact 18 to move from terminal 25 to terminal 27. Although contact 18 is now closed, the machine remains ofi since the main on-off switch is in the off position and contact 14 is open. All that is now required is for the operator to move the main switch to the on position at which time contact 14 closes. Placing the main switch in the on position has no effect on contact 18 which thus remains closed. With the closing of contact 14 the machine is turned on once again.

FIG. 2 depicts the automatic shut-off mechanism as it is contained in a copying machine 33. On the front face of the machine there is provided a toggle switch 35, shown in its on position. The toggle switch directly controls the opening and closing of contact 14, the contact being closed when the switch is in its on position. When the switch is moved in the direction of arrow 37 to turn the machine off, the toggle switch bears against link 31 which thus moves in the direction shown by arrow 43. The link is mounted in a groove 45 extended through the front panel. The link is provided with an extended cutout 41 through which a screw 39 is passed and mounted to the front panel. Guide 45, screw 39 and cut-out 41 limit the movement of the link back and forth in he direction of arrow 43.

Vertical bracket 54a is mounted inside the machine. Timing motor 22 is mounted on this bracket and conductors 48, 50 are extended to conductors 28, 30. The timing motor, when energized, causes shaft 52 to rotate.

The shaft is coupled to various elements held together by nut 62. Immediately adjacent to vertical bracket 54a is spring 58, shown most clearly in FIG. 4. One end of the spring is attached to shaft 52 and end 64 of the spring is wrapped around a screw 46 terminating in nut 68. Spacers 93, 95 are mounted on screw 46 as shown in FIG. 2. When the motor runs, shaft 52 turns in the direction shown by arrow 57 in FIG. 4. As soon as power is cut ofi" to the motor, spring 58 causes the shaft to return to its initial position, the shaft rotating in the direction opposite to that shown by arrow 57. Disc element 56 is provided on shaft 52 to contain spring 58 adjacent to mounting bracket 54a. The disc element includes a hub 56a through which a set screw (not shown) is tightened against shaft 52.

Secured to shaft 52 is a disc 64 having a hub 64b (and set screw, not shown). The disc includes a stop 640, seen most clearly in FIG. 3. Cam 60 having a hub 60a (and set screw, not shown) is also attached to shaft 52. Washer 97 separates cam 69 and nut 62. As seen most clearly in FIG. 3, when shaft 52 rotates in the direction of arrow 57, discs 64 and cam 60 rotate in a clockwise direction. After one minute of the shaft rotation has elapsed, cam 60 bears against button 82 to press it down. The positions of the cam and disc at the end of the 1- minute run are shown in dotted lines FIG. 3. As soon as the motor circuit is interrupted, spring 68 causes shaft 52, cam 60 and disc 64 to rotate in the counter-clockwise direction. When the disc returns to it initial position, stop 64a bears against lug 59. This insures that the shaft always returns to the same initial position.

Vertical bracket 54b is attached to horizontal bracket 54c, which is mounted by screws 76a, 76b to a supporting surface of the machine. Bearing 74, extended through brackets 54b, 54c, contains a cylindrical element 78 against which the end of line 31 bears. Microswitch 80 mounted is on post 72 to bracket 54a. As seen most clearly in FIG. 3, the microswitch includes not only a button 82 which can be pressed down by cam 60, but a button arm 84 as well. The arm is hinged at 86 and is biased by spring 88 downward shown. The microswitch includes an actuating element 90 which when pushed up by arm 84 causes the state of the switch to change. In FIG. 3, arm 84 and element 78 are shown in the positions assumed when link 31 is pushed in by toggle switch 35. The dotted lines FIG. 3 show the positions of arm 84 and element 78 when the toggle switch is on and spring 88 forces arm 84 outward. At the top of the switch are two tenninals 92, 94, connected respectively to conductors 11, 28. When button 82 is pressed down (shown symbolically by arrow 20 in FIG. 1), the connection between terminals 92, 94 is broken. On the other hand, when actuator element 90 is pushed into the microswitch by link 31, the connection between temiinals 92, 94 is completed.

The operation of the microswitch is shown symbolically in FIGS. 5 and 6. (It is to be understood that many different types of conventional switches can be used.) When link 31 is pushed into the machine as shown by arrow 73 in FIG. 5, arm 84 is pushed upward against the force of spring 88. Actuating element 90 is similarly forced upward as shown by arrow 75.

The top of the actuator element bears against conducting element 79 which is a conventional leaf spring. On end of the leaf spring is mounted to contact 94. The other end of the spring is provided with a contact and magnet 81 which can be attracted to either contact 92 or dummy" contact 98. When actuating element 90 is pushed upward, the magnet causes spring 79 to remain engaged with contact 92 and for a circuit path to be completed between terminals 92, 94. At the same time, spring extension 79a bears up against button 82 to force it upward as shown by arrow 83. Thus when the toggle switch is turned off, contact 18 in FIG. 1 (contact 18 represents the circuit path between contacts 92, 94) is caused to close.

On the other hand, at the end of any cycle of the timing motor, cam 16 forces button 82 to be pressed down as shown by arrow 85 in FIG. 6. The button bears against spring extension 79a which forces spring 79 down. The magnet is attracted to contact 98 at this time. Although terminal 94 is now connected to terminal 98, the connection serves no purpose in the illustrative embodiment of the invention. What is important is to note that the circuit between terminals 92, 94 is broken. In this manner, the machine can be turned off automatically whenever 60 seconds have gone by since the last original document to be copied was fed into the machine.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a particular embodiment, it is to be understood that this embodiment is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Numerous modifications may be made therein and other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine, said copying machine including a main power line having first contact means therein and a manually operated power switch for controlling the opening and closing of said first contact means, said mechanism comprising a timing motor and a microswitch connected in said main power line,

means for resetting said timing motor when an original document to be copied is fed into the machine and for then initiating the operation of said timing motor, said timing motor having an output shaft with a cam thereon which when rotated to a predetermined position bears against said microswitch to open said main power line, and means responsive to the tuming ofi of said power switch for closing said microswitch.

2. An automatic shut-ofi mechanism for a copying machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein said timing motor includes a return spring for returning said output shaft to an initial position responsive to the feeding in to the machine of an original document to be copied.

3. An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine in accordance with claim 2 wherein said means for closing said second contact means includes a mechanical linkage mounted between said power switch and said microswitch.

4. An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine in accordance with claim 3 wherein the feeding into the machine of an original document to be copied is detected by means including photo-detecting means, lamp means for illuminating said photo-detecting means across the path followed by an original document fed into the machine, and means responsive to the energization of said photo-detecting means for energizing said timing motor.

5. An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for closing said microswitch includes a mechanical linkage mounted between said power switch and said microswitch.

6. An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine in accordance with claim 5 wherein the feeding into the machine of an original document to be copied is detected by means including photo-detecting means, lamp means for illuminating said photo-detecting means across the path followed by an original document fed into the machine, and means responsive to the energization of said photo-detecting means for energizing said timing motor. 

1. An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine, said copying machine including a main power line having first contact means therein and a manually operated power switch for controlling the opening and closing of said first contact means, said mechanism comprising a timing motor and a microswitch connected in said main power line, means for resetting said timing motor when an original document to be copied is fed into the machine and for then initiating the operation of said timing motor, said timing motor having an output shaft with a cam thereon which when rotated to a predetermined position bears against said microswitch to open said main power line, and means responsive to the turning off of said power switch for closing said microswitch.
 2. An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein said timing motor includes a return spring for returning said output shaft to an initial position responsive to the feeding in to the machine of an original document to be copied.
 2. An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein said timing motor includes a return spring for returning said output shaft to an initial position responsive to the feeding in to the machine of an original document to be copied.
 3. An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine in accordance with claim 2 wherein said means for closing said second contact means includes a mechanical linkage mounted between said power switch and said microswitch.
 4. An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine in accordance with claim 3 wherein the feeding into the machine of an original document to be copied is detected by means including photo-detecting means, lamp means for illuminating said photo-detecting means across the path followed by an original document fed into the machine, and means responsive to the energization of said photo-detecting means for energizing said timing motor.
 5. An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine in accordance with claim 1 wherein said means for closing said microswitch includes a mechanical linkage mounted between said power switch and said microswitch.
 6. An automatic shut-off mechanism for a copying machine in accordance with claim 5 wherein the feeding into the machine of an original document to be copied is detected by means including photo-detecting means, lamp means for illuminating said photo-detecting means across the path followed by an original document fed into the machine, and means responsive to the energization of said photo-detecting means for energizing said timing motor. 